Today’s tip is also a simple one but one that requires motivation. Now that you’ve brought your lemon/lime water bottle to work or prepared it to enjoy during the day at home like I do, get your sneakers or comfortable walking shoes on.

 

Exercise is something that can become an enjoyable habit, especially if you recruit a walking buddy. I recruited my husband and it’s a time in the day when we’re not distracted by the television or cell phones.

 

Walking is the simplest form of exercise and one that only requires comfortable shoes. One thing that’s helpful is the use of a pedometer. It’s fun to keep track of progress and is a great motivation tool. Aim for 10,000 steps per day or 30 minutes of brisk walking. No need for expensive gym memberships, although going to the gym would be an excellent choice, but walking is cheap, easy and just as effective.

 

According to the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project for example, (many studies are available on the internet on this topic), statistics show that walking three hours per week, or a half hour per day, improves breast cancer survival rates by as much as 50% and reduces risk of developing the disease by 30%. This is an easy goal to achieve, and matches the minimum exercise levels recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Walking for a half hour per day will also reduce risks for other cancers, Type II Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

 

According to cancer.gov:

Researchers have established that regular physical activity can improve health by:

• Helping to control weight

• Maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and joints

• Reducing the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes

• Promoting psychological well-being

• Reducing the risk of death from heart disease

• Reducing the risk of premature death

 

Guidelines recommend working up to a “brisk walk” which equates to 3-4 miles per hour. Of course, walking outside is preferred, not only for fresh air, but to take advantage of the health benefits of the vitamin D gained from sunshine. When the weather is bad, create an indoor path in your home. This is when a pedometer is especially helpful for measuring progress, distance and maintaining motivation.